SASSA Status Pending: What You Can Do?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government entity responsible for administering social security services in South Africa. Established in 2005 under the Department of Social Development, SASSA’s primary role is to manage and distribute social grants to eligible citizens. These grants aim to provide financial assistance to various vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and children, thereby reducing poverty and promoting social stability.
No matter which SASSA grant they apply e.g. SRD, SASSA Child Support Grant, SASSA Foster Child Grant, SASSA Old Age Grant, or SASSA Grant-In-Aid, the applicants have to perform a SASSA status check regularly to keep themselves informed about their application status after applying. The SASSA status check can tell an applicant whether their application is accepted, declined, or pending. If your SASSA status says pending, then it means that your application has been accepted by SASSA but there are a few things that SASSA must confirm and verify from the information provided.
Why Is Your Sassa Status Pending?
If your SASSA status says “Pending” it means that your application for an SASSA grant is still being processed. There are a few reasons why your application may be pending. These reasons are:
What is happening behind the scenes?
SASSA is bombarded with a large number of applications from its citizens, but no organization can meet this demand in such a limited time. However, the SASSA team is working 24 hours a day to meet the demand as soon as possible.
To make sure the needy get their grant payment on time, SASSA needs to follow some processes which takes a lot of time. Firstly, SASSA has to verify the details of applicants. SASSA will check the applicant’s name, surname, and ID number in the database of the Department of Home Affairs.
After this, SASSA will verify if the applicant is getting any other SASSA grant or any grant from another organization. For this purpose, the SASSA will cross-check identification numbers in databases of the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NAFAS). If the applicant is getting a grant from any of these organizations, his application will be rejected.
After this comes the SASSA Means Test. SASSA performs a Means test to verify that the applicant’s assets and income are according to the eligibility criteria defined by SASSA for each grant.
The next step is to compare the applicant’s application with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the National Register of Social Grants (NTSG). This is to make sure that the applicant is not getting any other grant. In the last step, SASSA will carry out a Fraud Risk Scoring Analysis on the ID numbers and phone numbers of the applicants to check to make sure that the applicant has not been involved in any fraudulent activity before.
How to Resolve a Pending Status
Verify Application Details
It is necessary to revisit your application to verify that all the information provided is accurate. Errors in personal details can result in delays. also, ensure that all the required documents were submitted and are up-to-date. Missing or outdated documents can contribute to a pending status.
Submit Missing Documents
If SASSA has requested any additional documentation, it’s crucial to respond by submitting the necessary documents. Ensure that all the documents are according to SASSA’s acceptance criteria, including being in the correct format and containing all required information.
Application Status Under Review
When your application status is “Under Review,” it means SASSA needs more information to conclude your grant request. To speed up the process, you will need to provide any documents requested as quickly as possible.
Direct Contact with SASSA
Utilize the various methods available, including phone, email, or physical visits, to reach out to SASSA for an update on your application. When contacting SASSA, make sure to inquire about the status of your application and inquire about any steps you can take to speed up the process.
Regular Follow-Up
Understand that the processing times of applications vary, particularly during periods of high demand. Practice patience and regularly monitor the status of your application. Maintain communication with SASSA to stay informed about any progress in your application.
Keeping Records
Keep records of all interactions with SASSA, documenting the dates, content of discussions, and any advice or instructions provided. This approach will assist you in maintaining clarity and serve as evidence of your efforts to address the pending status of your application.
Staying Informed
Stay informed about any updates or changes in SASSA’s policies or application procedures that could impact your application pending status. Utilize community resources or seek guidance from individuals with experience in SASSA applications. Their insights can provide you with valuable information to ensure you are well-prepared and informed throughout the application process.
Seeking External Assistance
If you find the SASSA application process overwhelming, seeking assistance from community organizations or social workers experienced in SASSA applications can help you a lot. In more sensitive cases with notable delays or issues, seeking legal counsel can also be an option.
How will I know if my SASSA Application is approved?
After you have gone through all the things to resolve your application status. You will get notified by SASSA when your application is approved. After your application is approved, you will be notified by SASSA. You can also check your SASSA status through the SASSA official website, WhatsApp, Moya App, or through a call or an SMS.
You can then get your grant payments through your preferred mode of payment. If you want to change your banking details, you can use Moya App to change your banking details. If your SASSA card has expired, you need to undergo SASSA card renewal to receive your grant payments.
Always remember that solving a pending status in your SASSA application requires patience and proactive measures. By confirming that you completed your application correctly, following up consistently, and seeking help when needed, you can effectively solve this issue. Understand that a pending status is a part of the process and typically resolves with time and appropriate follow-up actions.
Ways to Check One’s SASSA Status Online
Method 1: Official SASSA SRD Website
To check your SASSA status on the official website, follow these steps:
Method 2: Moya App
For those using the Moya App, here’s how to check your status:
Method 3: WhatsApp
If you prefer using WhatsApp for checking your SASSA status, here’s what you need to do:
Method 4: SASSA Call Center
For direct inquiries, you can contact the SASSA Call Center:
Updating Contact and Banking Details
Updating Contact Details
To update your contact details, follow these steps:
Updating Banking Details
To update your banking details, follow these instructions:
Conclusion
Always remember that solving a pending status in your SASSA application requires patience and proactive measures. By confirming that you completed your application correctly, following up consistently, and seeking help when needed, you can effectively solve this issue. Understand that a pending status is a part of the process and typically resolves with time and appropriate follow-up actions.
